“Semper Fi,” words that are a sacred bond between U.S. Marines - active or retired - certainly apply to Larry Beers, a resident at Fellowship Terrace, Whitehall, whose unwavering devotion to the Corps has not gone unnoticed. A ceremony was held March 17 recognizing his commitment.

The saying “always faithful” is the creed on how Beers, 79, conducts himself every day, donning a cap with the insignia and U.S. Marines lettering every day for 60 years.

Beers, who moved to Fellowship Terrace three years ago, was stunned by the ceremony recognizing his pride in wearing the same cap he received as part of his uniform in 1956 as a Marine recruit at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Before a crowd of Fellowship Community residents, staff and well-wishers, Sgt. Lorraine Pedroza, in a Marine dress uniform, presented Beers with a new Marine Corps cap and a framed picture of Marines standing up the American flag at Iwo Jima during World War II. Pedroza, stationed at the Marine Corps recruiting station in Allentown, brought with her a young man who will be enlisting with the Marines.

Pedroza said Beers embodies the spirit and pride of being a Marine. Beers was active from 1956 to 1961, serving at the Pentagon. He had the honor of protecting President Dwight D. Eisenhower, she said.

Beers walks daily throughout the campus at Fellowship Community, placing a special memento on the doors of former Marines and others. His room is always open for small talk.

“Surprised,” Beers said, when asked how he felt, giving two thumbs up for the honor bestowed to him. “When you are a Marine, you are proud.”

Although Beers has a new cap, he does not expect to put his faded cap into retirement. After all, he has worn it for 60 years.

“Once a Marine, always a Marine,” he said.